If somebody says that they got a new pet turtle, there’s a big chance that it’s a red-eared slider. This species is the most popular in the United States. It’s also common as a pet across the globe. The good news for owners is that there’s plenty of expertise and help available for helping these reptiles thrive. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about keeping red-eared sliders.
1. This Semi-Aquatic Species Need Land and Water
Red-eared sliders are a semi-aquatic subspecies of turtle, meaning they need both swimming and basking areas in their enclosures. They love swimming in water, and that’s where they find most of their food in the wild.
We advise starting with a 20-gallon aquarium for your pet turtle. You can fill it with water up to a point but also there must be a docking area where the turtle can emerge to bask. You need to provide a ramp and a flat surface under a UV lamp. The water temperature should be 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the basking spot should be 10 degrees hotter.
2. Prepare for a Slider’s Long-Term Needs
Many first-time reptile owners underestimate the challenges their pets may present. They think life will be easy because their pets don’t require physical interaction or exercise, like dogs. However, turtles live long lives, more than 30 years in captivity with the right care. Longevity is something to consider when getting one. They may not be the most sensible pet for a young child or an older person. Think long-term because it’s unethical to buy a pet that you can’t care for properly.
3. You Should Get a Spacious Aquarium
We advise starting with a 20-gallon turtle tank even if you have a relatively small, young red-eared slider. These turtles will keep growing, and you may need to invest in an even bigger tank as the years pass. They grow to about 12 inches in length, but some will be even bigger. Some people keep them in ponds, which can be fine in tropical climates. However, you should be aware of potential predators and the risk of your turtles escaping. If you’re looking for a cheap reptile pet, there are smaller options available.
4. Check That Your Region Allows Slider Ownership
Red-eared sliders are very cute, but they also have a dark reputation for being one of the world’s most invasive species, being found in waterways throughout the southeastern United States, such as Florida. It’s illegal to possess a turtle in this state (although they can be kept if acquired before July 1, 2007).
Meanwhile, you can’t import them into Australia. Other U.S. states prohibit their release, sale, or require special permits to own them. They’re excellent at adapting, making them hardy as pets, but they can overwhelm native populations and spread disease. Depending on where you live, be careful buying red-eared sliders. Check that you’re not breaking any local laws and only obtain them from trustworthy breeders. This will also reduce the risk of your red-eared sliders suffering long-term health problems.
5. Optimize Your Turtle’s Basking Area
We’ve already mentioned that these turtles need an area for basking. This is crucial for your turtle’s health and reduces the risk of them suffering from certain health issues. They’re less likely to contract fungal infections because basking dries their bodies. Ensure they can easily access their basking area. Also, position the UV lamp directly above the basking area. Don’t bother them when they’re basking because it may surprise them. This is also when they tend to digest their food.
Remember to perform regular temperature checks to ensure there is a clear difference between the water and the basking area.
6. Change Their Diet as Your Turtle Ages
Red-eared sliders are an omnivorous species. However, their dietary needs will change with age.
Younger turtles require more protein than older specimens. We recommend a 50-50 split between protein and vegetables for sliders under one year old. This can change to 25 percent protein for fully grown adults with 75 percent vegetables. Younger turtles are like human children because they may not want to eat their greens! However, owners should still offer them. You can also provide your sliders with turtle pellets every other day for an added nutrient boost. Cuttlebone blocks are another good way to give your turtles an added calcium boost!
There are many protein options for your turtle. Crickets, shrimp, mealworms, and bloodworms are popular choices. You could even give them frozen chicks or quail as a treat but be cautious because of their higher fat contents. Small frogs could also provide stimulation for your turtles. It’s crucial to only buy captive-bred live food for your red-eared sliders. This reduces the risk of your pets contracting any nasty bacteria or parasites that could spread diseases.
7. Understand the Signs of a Healthy Turtle
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous breeders across the globe, meaning many captive red-eared sliders have hereditary health problems. Others contract diseases or infections because of poor husbandry in captivity. Always carefully examine a potential new pet before bringing it home. If your turtle is oozing mucus or has skin or shell discolorations, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Exercise caution around dealers who are offering cut-price deals. They may prioritize profits over animals’ well-being.
Most turtle diseases are avoidable. These include:
- Metabolic bone disease may occur if turtles don’t get enough UVB light.
- Shell rot and fungal infections may occur if the enclosure’s temperatures or humidity levels are incorrect.
- Obesity can also be an unexpected problem if you overfeed your turtles.
Excessive lethargy, wheezy breaths, and liquid discharges are some of the most common symptoms of turtle health problems.
